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Caricature of The Two Obadiahs
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Caricature of The Two Obadiahs
Caricature of The Two Obadiahs, J Willing Senior and J Willing Junior. " What! Disgrace your family name, Jim, by writing plays! What next!" James Willing was actually a pseudonym for John Thomas Douglass (1842-1917), manager of the Standard Theatre, Shoreditch, London, and it is not clear whether the younger Willing existed or was simply just another pseudonym, to avoid Douglasss name appearing as the author of too many plays.
1882
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Media ID 14310650
© Terry Parker / Mary Evans Picture Library
1882 Bryan Douglass Entracte Joke Junior Manager Plays Playwright Pseudonym Senior Shoreditch Younger Obadiah
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This caricature, titled 'The Two Obadiahs: What! Disgrace your family name, Jim, by writing plays! What next!' depicts two men, both donning top hats and identified as 'Obadiah Senior' and 'Obadiah Junior.' The elder Obadiah, with a stern expression and a pointing finger, admonishes the younger Obadiah, who is shown with a quill pen in hand, writing a play script. The caption above the image reads, 'Jim, by writing plays!' This humorous scene is a commentary on the stigma surrounding playwriting as a profession during the Victorian era. James Willing, the man at the center of this caricature, was actually a pseudonym for John Thomas Douglass (1842-1917), who managed the Standard Theatre in Shoreditch, London. The existence of an Obadiah Junior is unclear; it may have been another pseudonym used to avoid Douglass' name from being associated with too many plays. The 1880s were a prolific period for Douglass as a playwright, and this caricature likely reflects the societal perception of playwriting as an unrespectable pursuit. The image, created by Terry Parker, offers a glimpse into the world of Victorian theatre and the societal norms of the time. The use of caricature as a form of satire highlights the humor and irony in the situation, while also shedding light on the challenges faced by playwrights during this period. This print is a fascinating reminder of the rich history of theatre and the role of caricature in shaping public opinion.
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